Two wild hippos welcomed a precious new arrival into the world just feet away from herds of migrating wildebeest and a vicious swarm of crocodiles.

Every year, wildebeest make the dramatic migration across the Mara River in their thousands, but sadly not all of them survive. Some are injured on the treacherous journey and others fall prey to the hungry crocodiles lying in wait to pick off the weakest members of the pack.

While most safari groups were watching the heart-stopping migration of wildebeest across the crocodile-infested Mara River, one group were witnessing a very different sight.

Having spotted a hippo that the guide identified as being close to giving birth, the tour group waited patiently to catch a glimpse of the calf.

Seemingly oblivious to the carnage unfolding around her as more and more wildebeest were dragged to a harrowing death by the crocodiles, it was just a few hours before this hippo welcomed her new arrival.

But the tour group’s joy at witnessing such a special moment quickly turned to fear.

Within just moments of being born, the excitable new calf veered into the path of a crocodile.

Thankfully, the calf’s mum quickly stepped in to guide the baby away from danger and towards its dad who had been sleeping on the nearby bank during the birth.

After paddling up to meet it’s dad for the very first time, the calf was greeted with a warm nuzzle whist mum kept a close eye on the crocodiles lurking around them.

The safari group believe that the only reason the calf wasn’t aggressively pursued by the circling crocodiles is as they had already eaten their fill of migrating wildebeest.

Whatever the reason, there’s no doubt that this is one very lucky calf! Watch the video above to see more of this incredible moment.

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